The first Volunteer Expo for FTG looks set to become a regular event. Organisers and stallholders were surprised and delighted at the enthusiastic response from nearly 200 visitors.
The Expo was organised by Mountain District Learning Centre (MDLC), sponsored by the Bendigo Community Bank, and held in Volunteers Week at the Knox Community Arts Centre on Burwood Highway.
About 25 community organisations, mostly Gully locals booked stalls and set out displays of what they do.
The aim of the event was to invite new volunteers and MDLC was not disappointed. (Ferntree Gully News has offers of 6 new walkers.) To judge by the buzz of lively chatter all day, visitors and stallholders alike took a lively interest.
Another unexpected benefit was the networking between the organisations exhibiting. People swapped ideas, promised loans of equipment and shared
success stories. It was networking at its best.
The Expo was opened by Dobson Ward Councillor, Karin Orpen, who praised the work done by the organisations and expressed her pride in the strength
of community in the Gully. Knox Council’s Volunteer of the Year, April Himmelreich spoke
about the benefits to be had from volunteering and MP for Ferntree Gully Nick Wakeling chatted with stallholders. Refreshments were provided by Inner Wheel, a section of Rotary.